Comfortable walking shoes, swimsuit (if you plan to swim in permitted areas), hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, camera, change of clothes.

Nanshan Lake (南山湖): nature’s gem, lake cruises and mountain air

Nanshan Lake (南山湖) is a picturesque mountain lake in Zhejiang Province, only 250 km from Shanghai. An ideal place for a peaceful getaway in nature: crystal‑clear water, green hills, waterfalls and cosy villages.

The tour will give you a day or two away from the metropolis bustle. You will be able to take a boat ride, walk along mountain trails, see the famous Tianxingtan Waterfall (天兴潭), swim in permitted areas and taste fresh fish caught in the lake. And if you wish, stay overnight at a lakeside hotel or glamping with a view of the stars.

🏞️Mountain lake

🚣Boat trips

💧Waterfall

🥾Trekking

🍲Fresh fish

Attractions along the route

What awaits you

Morning departure from Shanghai – meeting at Xinzhuang metro station, comfortable transfer to Nanshan Lake (about 3–3.5 hours).
Arrival at the lake – lunch at a lakeside restaurant with a view of the water (fresh fish, vegetables, rice).
Boat trip – catamarans, swan boats or kayaks. Explore the coves and small islands.
Trekking to Tianxingtan Waterfall (天兴潭) – easy hike through the forest (about 1 hour), swimming in the natural pool at the waterfall.
Dragon’s Back mountain trail – a 2‑km panoramic trail with views of the lake and valley.
Free time – you can swim, sunbathe on the beach, rent a bicycle or just relax in the shade of the trees.
For the two‑day tour: overnight stay in a hotel or glamping, evening campfire, barbecue, starry sky.
Return to Shanghai – departure after lunch, arrival in the evening (around 19:00–20:00).

Approximate tour schedule (1 day / 2 days of your choice)

*The itinerary is designed for travel by car. A train option Shanghai–Shengzhou (1 h 20 min) + taxi is also possible.

Time	Program stage	Details and what you need to know
Day 1, 08:00	Departure from Shanghai by car with guide	Meeting at Xinzhuang metro station. Drive to Nanshan Lake ~3–3.5 hours with one stop.
11:30–12:30	Arrival, lunch	Restaurant on the lakeshore. The guide helps with orientation and buying tickets for boats/attractions.
13:00–14:30	Boat trip + Tianxingtan Waterfall	Catamaran ride (30 min), then easy trek to the waterfall (1 hour round trip).
14:30–16:00	Dragon’s Back mountain trail	2‑km panoramic trail, view of the lake and mountains. Suitable for all ages.
16:00–17:00	Free time / beach / bicycles	Swimming, walk through the village, bike rental, photo session.
17:00–19:00	Return to Shanghai (one‑day tour)	Arrival in Shanghai. Dinner possible along the way.
Day 2 (optional)	Breakfast, walk, departure	Morning – swimming, fishing, tea ceremony in the village. Departure at 12:00, arrival in Shanghai ~15:30.

💡 Important notes:

Shoes: comfortable trainers or sandals for the trek to the waterfall.
Swimming: bring a swimsuit and towel – the lake water is clean, there is a designated beach.
Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
Snacks: you can bring fruit and water – there are also cafés on site.
Children: the tour is ideal for families, there are shallow areas and a gentle shore.

Cost and conditions

Tour cost

Train + taxi

Economy

Guide services, ticket assistance, accompaniment. Transfer to the station on your own.

280$per group 1–3 persons

Transport, entrance tickets, meals – separate

By car

Comfort

Guide services + sedan/minivan rental for the whole tour, including transfer from Shanghai.

450$per group 1–3 persons

Entrance tickets, meals – separate

Additional expenses per person

Entrance ticket to the lake area80¥ (~11$)
Boat / catamaran rental (1 hour)60–100¥ (~8–14$)
Lunch at a lakeside restaurant50–80¥ (~7–11$)
Accommodation in a lakeside hotel (1 night, double room)250–400¥ (~35–55$)
Train tickets Shanghai–Shengzhou (round trip, 2nd class)~220¥ (~31$)
Taxi from station to lake (round trip, per group)~100¥ (~14$)

*Prices are approximate for 2026. Exchange rate may vary. Children under 1.2 m – free entry.

Duration

1 day / 2 days

your choice

Additional services

Minivan rental

+80$

Hotel / glamping booking

+30$

Transfer to/from Shanghai airport

+100$

Photo session on the lake

+50$

📍

What else can you visit nearby

Ancient city of Shengzhou
(嵊州)Traditional architecture (20 km).

Xinchang tea plantations (新昌)Famous green tea (15 km).

Frequently asked questions

How far is Nanshan Lake from Shanghai?

The lake is about 250 km from Shanghai, the drive takes 3–3.5 hours. You can also take a train to Shengzhou (1 h 20 min), then a taxi (about 30 minutes).

What should I bring?

Comfortable walking shoes, swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, camera, change of clothes.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, the lake is great for family holidays. Children will enjoy swan boat rides, shallow water and gentle shores. There are easy walking trails for toddlers.

Can I stay overnight?

Yes, we offer a two‑day tour with accommodation at a lakeside hotel or glamping. In the evening – campfire, barbecue and starry sky.

Can the itinerary be customised to my interests?

Yes, the program is flexible. You can add tea plantations or the ancient city of Shengzhou. Discuss this with the guide at the time of booking.

What to do in bad weather?

The tour operates in any weather, but in heavy rain active water activities may be cancelled. In that case we will reschedule the tour or refund the payment (minus expenses incurred).

⚠️

Important information

The indicated prices are valid for 2026 for private individuals. Prices may vary depending on the season and holidays. Booking requires 100% prepayment (PayPal, card, bank transfer). Conversion rate – according to the Central Bank rate on the payment date.

Cancellation 48+ hours before the tour – full refund. Less than 48 hours – 50% refund (train tickets are purchased in advance). Less than 24 hours – 0% refund.

In case of bad weather, national holidays, or closure of facilities, the organizer may change the program or reschedule the tour. Safety is a priority.